Lead Director, Network Management – Southern California

Position Summary

The Lead Director is accountable for developing strategic partnerships to ensure Aetna has market leading discount and cost positions and high value, competitive networks.

Strong focus on designing conceptual models, initiative planning, and negotiating high value contracts with the most complex and challenging providers in accordance with company standards to maintain and enhance provider networks, while working cross‑functionally to ensure consistency with all contracting strategies and meeting and exceeding accessibility, quality, compliance, and financial goals and cost initiatives.

Contract responsibilities include Medicare and Commercial.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to

• Key focus on building strong relationships with providers and developing/executing contract strategies that yield market leading discount bringing best‑in‑class cost positions for Aetna as well as value‑based partners to improve the quality and financial performance of Aetna’s networks for its members.
• Leading a negotiation team focused on health systems, hospitals and medical groups and managing contract performance with key focus on provider engagement and financial results in accordance with company standards (examples – p Model, SAI Targets…).
• Recruiting providers as needed to ensure attainment of network expansion and adequacy targets.
• Collaborating cross‑functionally with internal teams to manage provider compensation and pricing development activities, submitting contractual information, and reviewing and analyzing reports as part of the negotiation and reimbursement modeling activities.

Accountable for cost arrangements within defined workgroups.

• Collaborating with cross‑functional teams to execute significant cost‑saving initiatives.

Representing the company with high‑visibility constituents, including customers and community groups.

• Promoting collaboration with internal partners.

Evaluating, helping formulate, and implementing the provider network strategic plans to achieve contracting targets and manage medical costs through effective provider contracting to meet state contract and product requirements.

Collaborating with internal partners to assess effectiveness of tactical plans in managing costs.

• Ensuring resolution of escalated issues related, but not limited to, claims payment, contract interpretation and parameters, or accuracy of provider contract or demographic information.
• Straight‑forward communication, critical thinking, problem resolution and interpersonal skills. Exceptional customer service skills.
• Required Qualifications
• 10+ years of related experience, including expert‑level negotiation skills with a successful track record negotiating contracts with large or complex provider systems.

Command of financials and pricing strategies.

• Ability to collaborate with a team of contract negotiators and senior network managers to ensure cost‑effective and quality provider agreements.
• Proven working knowledge of provider financial issues and competitor strategies, complex contracting options, financial/contracting arrangements, and regulatory requirements.
• Health plan/payer or large provider systems knowledge and experience.
• Proven analytical and financial skills. Proficient with Microsoft Office Software (Excel, Power Point and Word).
• Preferred Qualifications
• Development of complex contracting relationships including FFS/Value‑Based/Capitation.

Reside in Southern California and have experience working with providers in this market.

• Experience with Aetna systems including Strategic Contract Manager, EPDB, Quickbase, Claims Systems – HRP‑ACAS.
• Experience with ancillary provider types (Durable Medical Equipment, Home Health Care, Home Infusion).

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Pay Range

The typical pay range for this role is

$100,000.00 – $231,540.00

This pay range represents the base hourly rate or base annual full‑time salary for all positions in the job grade within which this position falls.

The actual base salary offer will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education, geography and other relevant factors.

This position is eligible for a CVS Health bonus, commission or short‑term incentive program in addition to the base pay range listed above.

This position also includes an award target in the company’s equity award program.

Great benefits for great people

We take pride in offering a comprehensive and competitive mix of pay and benefits that reflects our commitment to our colleagues and their families.

This full‑time position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the physical, emotional, and financial well‑being of colleagues and their families.

The benefits for this position include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, retirement savings options, wellness programs, and other resources, based on eligibility.

Additional details about available benefits are provided during the application process and on Benefits Moments.

We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on: 07/31/2026.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state and local laws.

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